The Gaston Gazette believes Stanley McClover has a good chance to be the Panthers' starting right defensive end this season.

You wouldn't know it by McClover's 2007 campaign. He was inactive for most games. McClover will compete in training camp with Charles Johnson and Tyler Brayton after Carolina neglected to address the position in the draft.

Stanley McClover is running with the first-team defense at Panthers camp.

The newly bulked-up defensive end is filling in for Mike Rucker in theory, but appears to have a good chance to open the season as a starter opposite Julius Peppers. McClover is a sleeper to break out as an NFL sophomore.

McClover may have left Auburn too early to be drafted high in 2006, but the opportunity will definitely be there with Mike Rucker doubtful for the start of training camp. The athletic prospect has an outside chance to start.

Depth Charts

That's on his throwing arm. Savage didn't practice Wednesday after being hospitalized over the weekend. Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle said Savage is "making progress" but wouldn't give any specifics. Brandon Weeden served as Brock Osweiler's backup last week against the Packers.

Alfred Blue rushed five times for 38 yards and caught two passes for three yards Week 13 against the Packers.

Blue added some chunk gains on a couple garbage-time runs, but the bigger story moving forward is he took over when Lamar Miller was forced from the game for a series in the first quarter. With the lead back's health questionable at this point, Blue is a reasonable add for Miller owners.

Ervin picked up a rib injury Monday night against the Raiders. He is week to week. With Blue also out, Akeem Hunt will handle the backup duties behind starter Lamar Miller. Jonathan Grimes could also see some snaps. Strong should be nearing his return from the serious ankle injury he suffered a the beginning of November.

It's an upgrade after being limited on Wednesday. Fuller has shown signs of life recently with 119 yards on nine catches over his last two games. He'll carry a six-game touchdown drought into Sunday's matchup with Indianapolis.

Fiedorowicz easily led the team with five catches at the break after catching three quick passes in the two-minute drill. He was only able to haul in one of his four opportunities after halftime, but he still led the team both in receptions and targets, although he did lose a touchdown and some targets to Ryan Griffin. The only pass catcher Osweiler can find semi-consistently, Fiedorowicz is going to be a big part of the offense the rest of the way. He will be a sure-fire TE1 next week against the Colts.

Anderson has not played since injuring his hamstring Week 3 against the Patriots. With Ryan Griffin (neck) questionable, the Texans could certainly use some help at tight end. C.J. Fiedorowicz will likely get the start even if Anderson suits up.

Texans LT Duane Brown (quad) is expected to start against the Vikings.

He practiced all week and should be all systems go. Brown's presence is very much needed on Brock Osweiler's blind side against the new era Purple People Eaters. The Vikings have been ferocious in the front seven through four weeks.

Texans RG Jeff Allen (concussion) was ruled out for Week 6 against the Colts.

Allen exited last week's game with a concussion, and he was unable to get cleared in time for this game. With RT Derek Newton (ankle) questionable, Houston's struggles on the offensive line look set to continue.